Open source database vendor MySQL AB has said that it will soon release the alpha version of its Falcon storage engine. Designed specifically for high-volume web server environments, the alpha version of Falcon is expected to be available for download within a week’s time.

Though the new version will be compatible to work with MySQL's 5.1 release, the existing data on it will have to be migrated to the new Falcon format.

According to the company, the alpha release will be used to refine storage engine's features and performance, while the beta release will mainly focus on bug fixes. The company didn’t disclose the time it has set for the beta.

The Falcon project was initiated by MySQL, after popular storage engine InnoDB was gobbled up by its competitor Oracle, thanks to an acquisition it made in late 2005.

Currently, Falcon works with 32-bit Windows systems and both 32- and 64-bit Linux systems. However, MySQL plans to add other platforms in its forthcoming releases.